Use of polycarboxylic acid polymers to treat vaginal infections

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a bioadhesive aqueous composition to control the pH of the vagina to alleviate microorganism growth and feminine odor such as presented by bacterial vaginosis. The composition contemplated herein comprises water and an acidic polymer, specifically one wherein 80% of the monomers contain at least one carboxyl group [--COOH] and wherein the polymer is cross-linked so as to be water-swellable, but water-insoluble. The composition of the present invention is additionally a bioadhesive providing for a long-lasting benefit and control of vaginal pH.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of treating bacterial vaginosis comprising (a) topically contacting the luininal surface of vaginal epithclial cells with an effective pH buffering amount of an aqueous compositions comprising water and an effective amout of a water-swellable, but water-insoluble, cross-linked pH buffering bioadhesive polymer wherein at least 80% of the monomers comprising said polymer contain at least one carboxyl group; and (b) maintaining said contact for a time period sufficient to lower the pH of the vagina to an acidic pH, said composition being free of treating agent. 
     
     
       2. The method according to claim 1 wherein at least 90% of the nmonomers comprising the polymer contain at least one carboxyl group. 
     
     
       3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the aqueous composition further comprises a consistency-ending agent. 
     
     
       4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the polymer comprises monomers at last 90% of which are acrylic acid. 
     
     
       5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the aqueous composition further comprises an adjuvant selected from the group consisting of preservatives, lubricating oils, emulsifying agents, coloring agents, odor-providing agents, and humectants. 
     
     
       6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the polymer is cross-linked with a cross-linking agent added to the polymer at about 0.01 to about 6 weight percent of the polymer. 
     
     
       7. The method according to claim 1 wherein said polymer is polycarbophil. 
     
     
       8. A method of buffering a mammalian vagina to a pH less than about 6.0 comprising (a) contacting the surface of vaginal epithelial cells with an effective pH buffering amount of an aqueous composition comprising water and an effective amounts of a water-swellable, but water-insoluble, pH-buffering bioadhesive cross-linked polymer wherein at least 80% of the monomers comprising said polymer contain at least one carboxyl group; and (b) maintaining said contact for a time period sufficient to lower the pH of the vagina to an acidic pH, said composition being free of treating agent. 
     
     
       9. The method according to claim 8 wherein said polymer is polycarbophil. 
     
     
       10. The method according to claim 8 wherein the polymer comprises monomers, at least 90% of which are acrylic acid. 
     
     
       11. The method according to claim 8 wherein the aqueous composition further comprises an adjuvant selected from the group consisting of preservatives, lubricating oils,emulsifying agents, coloring agents, odor-providing agents, and humectants. 
     
     
       12. The method according to claim 8 wherein the polymer is cross-linked with a cross-linking agent added to the polymer at about 0.01 to about 6 weight percent of the polymer. 
     
     
       13. The method according to claim 8 wherein the aqueous composition further comprises a consistency-enhancing agent.